Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jermaine Kearse (15) leaps for a pass just outside the end zone as New Orleans Saints cornerback B.W. Webb (28) covers as time expires in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. Kearse came down out of bounds and the Saints won 25-20. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jermaine Kearse (15) leaps for a pass just outside the end zone as New Orleans Saints cornerback B.W. Webb (28) covers as time expires in the second half of an NFL football game

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jermaine Kearse (15) leaps for a pass just outside the end zone as New Orleans Saints cornerback B.W. Webb (28) covers as time expires in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. Kearse came down out of bounds and the Saints won 25-20. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jermaine Kearse (15) leaps for a pass just outside the end zone as New Orleans Saints cornerback B.W. Webb (28) covers as time expires in the second half of an NFL football game

New Orleans Saints tight end Coby Fleener (82) is stopped at the goal line in the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

New Orleans Saints tight end Coby Fleener (82) is stopped at the goal line in the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Photo: Butch Dill/AP

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Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tanner McEvoy (19) throws a pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tanner McEvoy (19) throws a pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

Photo: Bill Feig/AP

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New Orleans Saints kicker Wil Lutz (3) celebrates his field goal with offensive tackle Andrus Peat (75) in the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

New Orleans Saints kicker Wil Lutz (3) celebrates his field goal with offensive tackle Andrus Peat (75) in the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30,

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) carries against Seattle Seahawks cornerback DeShawn Shead (35) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP

New Orleans Saints cheers;leaders wear Halloween costumes in the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

New Orleans Saints cheers;leaders wear Halloween costumes in the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Photo: Butch Dill/AP

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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Photo: Butch Dill/AP

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New Orleans Saints cheers;leaders wear Halloween costumes in the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

New Orleans Saints cheers;leaders wear Halloween costumes in the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Photo: Butch Dill/AP

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New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) celebrates his touchdown reception in the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) celebrates his touchdown reception in the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP

Seattle Seahawks tight end Nick Vannett (81) is stopped by New Orleans Saints cornerback De'Vante Harris (21) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Seattle Seahawks tight end Nick Vannett (81) is stopped by New Orleans Saints cornerback De'Vante Harris (21) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) celebrates his touchdown reception in the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) celebrates his touchdown reception in the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) pulls in a touchdown reception in the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) pulls in a touchdown reception in the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) celebrates his touchdown reception in the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) celebrates his touchdown reception in the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP

Seattle Seahawks kicker Steven Hauschka kicks a field goal as Jon Ryan (9) holds in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Seattle Seahawks kicker Steven Hauschka kicks a field goal as Jon Ryan (9) holds in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch

Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) celebrates with fans after returning a fumble for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) celebrates with fans after returning a fumble for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct.

Seattle Seahawks running back Christine Michael (32) carries betweenNew Orleans Saints free safety Jairus Byrd (31) and free safety Vonn Bell (48) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans,

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) carries in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) carries in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

Photo: Bill Feig/AP

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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) scrambles in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) scrambles in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Photo: Butch Dill/AP

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New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) celebrates his touchdown with offensive guard Tim Lelito (68) in the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) celebrates his touchdown with offensive guard Tim Lelito (68) in the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct.

New Orleans Saints inside linebacker Nate Stupar (54) celebrates his interception in the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

New Orleans Saints inside linebacker Nate Stupar (54) celebrates his interception in the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Bill

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Photo: Butch Dill/AP

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New Orleans Saints cheerleaders wear Halloween costumes in the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

New Orleans Saints cheerleaders wear Halloween costumes in the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Photo: Butch Dill/AP

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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) lies on the ground after being sacked in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) lies on the ground after being sacked in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP

New Orleans Saints cheerleaders wear Halloween costumes in the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

New Orleans Saints cheerleaders wear Halloween costumes in the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Photo: Butch Dill/AP

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Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) carries to the end zone for a touchdown on a fumble recovery in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) carries to the end zone for a touchdown on a fumble recovery in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Photo: Butch Dill/AP

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Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) carries to the end zone for a touchdown on a fumble recovery in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) carries to the end zone for a touchdown on a fumble recovery in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Photo: Butch Dill/AP

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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

Photo: Bill Feig/AP

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Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) crosses the end zone for a touchdown on a fumble recovery in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) crosses the end zone for a touchdown on a fumble recovery in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Photo: Butch Dill/AP

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New Orleans Saints cheerleaders perform in the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

New Orleans Saints cheerleaders perform in the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Photo: Butch Dill/AP

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New Orleans Saints cheerleaders perform in the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

New Orleans Saints cheerleaders perform in the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

Photo: Bill Feig/AP

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New Orleans Saints cheerleaders perform in the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

New Orleans Saints cheerleaders perform in the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

Photo: Bill Feig/AP

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Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll congratulates linebacker Dewey McDonald (41) in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll congratulates linebacker Dewey McDonald (41) in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Willie Snead (83) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Willie Snead (83) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

Photo: Bill Feig/AP

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Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) tries to tackle New Orleans Saints running back Daniel Lasco (36) in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) tries to tackle New Orleans Saints running back Daniel Lasco (36) in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch

New Orleans Saints running back Daniel Lasco (36) carries as Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) tries to tackle in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

New Orleans Saints running back Daniel Lasco (36) carries as Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) tries to tackle in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) tries to tackle New Orleans Saints running back Daniel Lasco (36) in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) tries to tackle New Orleans Saints running back Daniel Lasco (36) in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Willie Snead (83) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Willie Snead (83) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

Photo: Bill Feig/AP

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New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) passes in the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) passes in the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Photo: Gerald Herbert/AP

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New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) passes in the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) passes in the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

Photo: Bill Feig/AP

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Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) tries to tackle New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) tries to tackle New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP

Seattle Seahawks running back Christine Michael (32) dives over the end zone for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Seattle Seahawks running back Christine Michael (32) dives over the end zone for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP

Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) returns a fumble for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) returns a fumble for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) tries to tackle New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP

Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham (88) warms up before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham (88) warms up before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Photo: Butch Dill/AP

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Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) returns a fumble for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) returns a fumble for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch

Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) returns a fumble for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) returns a fumble for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch

Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham (88) and tight end Nick Vannett (81) takes to the field to warm up before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham (88) and tight end Nick Vannett (81) takes to the field to warm up before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) warms up before an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) warms up before an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)

Photo: Bill Feig/AP

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Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll watches during warmups before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll watches during warmups before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Photo: Butch Dill/AP

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Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) warms up before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) warms up before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Photo: Butch Dill/AP

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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) and quarterback Trevone Boykin (2) take to the field for warmups before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) and quarterback Trevone Boykin (2) take to the field for warmups before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016.

RENTON -- Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll did his best to avoid the controversy surrounding the officiating in Sunday's loss to the Saints, saying instead he simply needed to prepare his team better.

Seattle, which came into Week 8 averaging 7.3 penalties per game, was flagged 11 times for 76 yards in its 25-20 loss, while New Orleans, which entered the contest averaging 7.5 flags per contest, was penalized just twice for 10 yards. The Saints also weren't flagged on a handful of controversial plays in key situations.

Instead of tempting an NFL fine with a critique of referee Ed Hochuli and his crew, Carroll argued he and his coaching staff must be to blame.

"We come out of this game with a lot of work to do," Carroll said to open his Monday press conference at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. "I mentioned last night that we have to do a better job in penalty situations, and I've got to do a better job. I've got to do a better job of getting the message across. To be that far out of whack compared to your opponent in a game is really to give them great advantage. We have to do better there."

Carroll did say that just like most weeks, Sunday's loss contained a handful of calls -- or non-calls -- that he would send to the NFL. But rather than trying to plead his case to the league, Carroll told reporters he views the exchange as an opportunity to gather information. The point of the dialogue is clarification, not persuasion.

"I don't think I can influence them at all," Carroll said. "I'm just trying to learn what they're calling, understand their interpretation so we can make sense of it, try to see why something was called the way it was so that we can help our guys play better and play more informed."

In addition to the usual debate about flags for defensive illegal contact, two second-half plays by the Saints --when wide receiver Willie Snead seemed to commit blatant offensive pass interference by knocking Seattle cornerback Jeremy Lane down on pick plays -- were of particular interest. One of the plays resulted in a touchdown that put the Saints up 22-17 in the third quarter. The other resulted in a third-down conversion that allowed New Orleans to extend a drive that eventually increased a 2-point lead late in the fourth quarter.

Three plays later, it appeared Seahawks safety Kelcie McCray had knocked Saints running back Tim Hightower out of bounds, which should have resulted in a stopped clock. Instead, the official on the sideline ruled Hightower's forward progress had stopped. The clock ran, and several seconds ticked off before Carroll realized what was happening and used Seattle's final time out of the game with 2:22 left.

"It just looked like a typical knocked-out-of-bounds play," Carroll said Monday, "and we were going on to the next thing, trying to save a timeout, then we just had to take care of business there."

After New Orleans kicker Wil Lutz hit a 41-yard field goal to extend the lead to 25-20, Seattle had less than two minutes left to start its final drive. That ended when wide receiver Jermaine Kearse only got one foot down in the Saints end zone on what would have been a 10-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Russell Wilson on the game's final play.

Sunday's loss was the latest example of penalty problems that have become a recurring theme for the Seahawks' season. They began the 2016 campaign with 31 flags through their first four games before seemingly cleaning things up after their Week 5 bye week. Seattle was flagged just three times -- none on offense -- in their Week 6 win over Atlanta, but have reverted back to their early season ways over the last two weeks, incurring 21 penalties while their opponents were called for just eight.

Despite what seem to be legitimate grievances in terms of disparity, Carroll told reporters he likely won't attempt to try the cases in the media.

"It's not productive to spend a bunch of time talking with you guys about it," Carroll said. "I'm just going to do the procedure that we have, try to get the understanding that we can, and help our guys play better with that understanding."